June 28, 2007

Auto Value Super Sprints return to Berlin Raceway Saturday in search of another track record

MARNE, MI - The Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Super Sprints presented by Auto Value return to Berlin Raceway this Saturday night, June 30, with much anticipation for another great open wheel show.

The 410-cubic inch powered machines will continue to challenge the track record in qualifications. In September 2005, 17-year-old rookie phenom Cameron Dodson of Greenfield, IN, broke the all-time track speed record when he qualified at an amazing 12.946 (121.798 mph). Dodson became just the second racer to break the 13-second barrier at Berlin (AVSS's Tyler Underwood clocked a 12.947 in September 2004). Look for the talented drivers in this series to push their machines toward another record set at the tricky 7/16-mile oval this Saturday.

The AVSS cars are specially built chassis that race only on asphalt with wide Hoosier tires and 800-plus horsepower motors burning alcohol at an alarming rate. The cars must weigh 1600 pounds and the top wings are a maximum of five feet by five feet. The drivers wear the best in safety equipment to protect them in the event of accident or fire. These cars do not have transmissions or starters, so they are in need of the traditional push start in order to fire their engines.

The Auto Value Super Sprints will join all four of Berlin Raceway's local divisions to pack the pits on Saturday. A rare 5-in-1 show is in store for the fans, including the AVSS schedule of qualifying, 3 heat races of 8 laps, a Last Chance race of 12 laps and a 30-lap feature event. A spectacular fireworks show will follow the races.

Current AVSS points leader Jeff Bloom of Bangor, MI, a 57-year-old veteran of all types of racing in the Midwest, will be a favorite to take the checkered flag Saturday at Berlin. Bloom finished second last September at Berlin. Another expected frontrunner is Jason Blonde of Litchfield, MI, currently second in points and a previous race winner at Berlin. Other notables competing this Saturday include Brian Lay of Toledo, OH, who won this same event last June and Ryan Litt of Ontario, Canada, who won here last September.

For more information about AVSS, visit their website at www.supersprints.com.

Tickets to AVSS Night presented by Auto Value are $16 for adults; half price for children 6-12 are half price and free for 5 and under. Pit passes are $25 for those 16 and over. Tickets may be purchased by phone to Berlin Raceway at (616) 677-5000, online at www.berlinraceway.com, in person at the Fifth Third Ballpark box office (4500 West River Drive, Comstock Park) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays, or at the Berlin Raceway administrative office Monday through Friday (please call ahead for an appointment if going to Berlin's administrative office).

Gates for the event will open at 12:15 p.m. with qualifying in the afternoon and the first race taking the track at 7 p.m.